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MJ's Doctor Ordered To Stand Trial For Involuntary Manslaughter

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has ordered the personal physician of Michael Jackson to stand trial for involuntary manslaughter in the death of the pop superstar.

The ruling against Dr. Conrad Murray came Tuesday after a six-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles.

Authorities contend the 57-year-old Murray gave Jackson a lethal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol mixed with other sedatives then failed to provide proper care.

Prosecutors concluded the hearing with testimony from two doctors who said Murray acted outside the standard of medical care.

Both witnesses said that even if Jackson had self-administered the last dose of the anesthetic, his death would be a homicide because of Murray's actions.

The doctor has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys have said he did not give Jackson anything that should have killed him.

Murray could face up to four years in prison if convicted.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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